Imagine an Africa where every young woman, every young person, including those with disabilities, stands tall, empowered, and ready to shape a thriving future.
This isn’t just a dream; it’s the driving force behind the Elpida Development Foundation (EDF). We see an Africa where the immense potential of its women and youth isn’t stifled by inequality, lack of opportunity, or societal barriers. We envision communities where:
- Young women move beyond the limitations of informal work, stepping into roles of leadership and innovation, their contributions fully valued and equitably rewarded.
- Youth across the continent, equipped with relevant skills and knowledge, seamlessly transition from education to meaningful employment, becoming the dynamic engine of Africa’s growth.
- Young people with disabilities are fully included and empowered, their unique talents and perspectives enriching every facet of society.
- Open and sustained dialogues bridge divides, fostering understanding and collaboration to create a more balanced and just society for all.
Established in 2022, EDF is committed to making this vision a reality. We understand the urgent need to address the interconnected challenges facing women and youth in Africa – from unequal access to economic opportunities and the skills gap hindering young people, to the compounded discrimination faced by those with disabilities.
Our maiden webinar, “Equipping the African Youth for a Sustainable Africa,” is just the beginning. The overwhelming interest from young people across six African nations, particularly the strong engagement from Nigeria, speaks volumes. It confirms what we already know: the hunger for empowerment and the desire to be architects of a better future is alive and strong within Africa’s youth.
At EDF, we’re not just talking about change; we’re actively building pathways for it. We believe in fostering inclusive policies, building capacity, advocating for accessible infrastructure, and championing economic empowerment initiatives. We are dedicated to challenging negative social norms and strengthening the data that informs effective action.
Join us in this vital mission. “Together, we can unlock the boundless potential of Africa’s women and youth, creating a truly sustainable and equitable future for generations to come”. This is the Africa we believe in, and this is the future we are building, one empowered individual, one strengthened community at a time.
Elpida Development Foundation (EDF), is a Pan African Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to the development and empowerment of Women, Youth, children and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) for a sustainable society. In tandem with one of its missions, EDF aims “to strengthen and sustain dialogues for an equipped and balanced society”.
While a significant proportion of African women contribute to the labour force (e.g., 54% continent-wide, higher in East Africa), they often face high rates of informality, lower job status, and horizontal segregation.
A significant number of youth in Africa are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). This rate has been increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa, with young women disproportionately affected. The transition from school to stable and satisfactory employment is challenging for African youth, with many remaining in temporary or unsatisfactory jobs. Educational systems often fail to equip youth with the skills demanded in the labour market, contributing to unemployment despite increasing educational attainment.
It’s crucial to note that women and youth with disabilities often face compounded discrimination and barriers due to the intersection of their identities. For instance, women with disabilities experience greater challenges in education, employment, and are more vulnerable to gender-based violence.
Addressing these complex and interconnected challenges require multi-faceted approaches focusing on inclusive policies, capacity building, accessible infrastructure, economic empowerment initiatives, challenging negative social norms, and improving data collection and analysis across all levels of governance and society in Africa.
It’s in the light of this that Elpida Development Foundation (EDF), is convening its maiden edition of a one-day webinar conference themed: “Equipping the African Youth for a Sustainable Africa”. Young, energetic resources are being unveiled at this conference as panelists and presenters who are influencing all facets of life from many regions and making significant contributions to the demographic and continental growth of our continent.
Goal:
To empower African youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for the continent.
Objectives:
Objective 1: Enhance Knowledge and Awareness of Key Sustainable Development Challenges and Opportunities Among African Youth.
Objective 2: Facilitate Increased Engagement and Dialogue Among African Youth on Solutions for a Sustainable Africa.
Objective 3: Catalyze Concrete Actions and Networking Among African Youth for Sustainable Development Initiatives.
You may be interested to learn that, as a result of the continuing registration pool, there is a high level of interest in participation from six (6) African countries, with Nigeria leading the way in attendance. The audience’s age range is youth, as intended, which further confirms the strong desire of young people to be prepared for change.